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Reducing Lead Hazards In The Home <br />Removing <br />lead <br />improperly <br />can increase <br />the hazard to <br />your family <br />by spreading <br />even more <br />lead dust <br />around the <br />house. <br />Always use a <br />professional who <br />is trained to <br />remove lead <br />hazards safely. <br />In addition to day -to -day cleaning and good <br />nutrition: <br />You can temporarily reduce lead hazards <br />by taking actions such as repairing dam- <br />aged painted surfaces and planting grass <br />to cover soil with high lead levels. These <br />actions (called "interim controls ") are not <br />permanent solutions and will need ongo- <br />ing attention. <br />To permanently remove lead hazards, <br />you should hire a certified lead "abate- <br />ment" contractor. Abatement (or perma- <br />nent hazard elimination) methods <br />include removing, sealing, or enclosing <br />lead -based paint with special materials. <br />Just painting over the hazard with regular <br />paint is not permanent removal. <br />Always hire a person with special training <br />for correcting lead problems— someone <br />who knows how to do this work safely and <br />has the proper equipment to clean up <br />thoroughly. Certified contractors will employ <br />qualified workers and follow strict safety <br />rules as set by their state or by the federal <br />government. <br />Once the work is completed, dust cleanup <br />activities must be repeated until testing <br />indicates that lead dust levels are below the <br />following: <br />40 micrograms per square foot (pglft2) <br />for floors, including carpeted floors; <br />250 pglft2 for interior windows sills; and <br />400 pglft2 for window troughs. <br />Call your state or local agency (see bottom <br />of page 1 1) for help in locating certified <br />professionals in your area and to see if <br />financial assistance is available. <br />